Drafting instrument



July 26, 1955 G. SANCHEZ DRAFTING INSTRUMENT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 9, 1952 INVENTOR. CamLLERMo SANCHEZ July 26, 1955 G. SANCHEZ 2,713,724

DRAFTING INSTRUMENT Filed June 9, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 GmLLERMo SANCHEZ.

BY @M DRAFTING INSTRUNIENT Guillermo Sanchez, Warren, Ohio Appiication June 9, 1952, Serial No. 292,413

4 Claims. ca. 33-104 My invention relates to drafting instruments, more particularly to drafting instruments similar to the triangles commonly used by draftsmen, and the principal object of this invention is to provide new and improved instruments of this character.

My invention provides what might be termed a square scale in that it includes the features of the common draftsmans triangle in combination with a scale. The invention may be used by draftsmen, 01' like persons, for many purposes, and the advantages flowing from use of my invention include greater accuracy, speed and flexibility of operation.

In the drawings accompanying this specification and forming a part of this application, there are shown, for purposes of illustration, several embodiments which my invention may assume and in these drawings:

Figure l is a plan view of an embodiment of my invention,

Figure 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view corresponding generally to the line 2-2 of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 but with parts in different relation,

Figure 4 is a plan view of one of the elements constituting the embodiment shown in Figure 1,

Figure 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of my invention,

Figure 6 is a sectional view corresponding generally to the line 66 of Figure 5,

Figure 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of my invention,

Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view corresponding generally to the line 88 of Figure 7,

Figure 9 is a plan view of still another embodiment of my invention, and

Figure 10 is a sectional view corresponding generally to the line 1010 of Figure 9.

The embodiment of the invention disclosed in Figures 1 through 4 comprises a generally flat body 10 which may be formed of clear plastic material and which in some respects is similar to a conventional draftsmans triangle.

As herein disclosed, the body 10 has edge surfaces 11 and 12 at right angles to each other, either of which is adapted to bear against a straight edge designated by the line 13. The body 10 may also have edge surfaces 14 and 15, the surface 14 in the disclosed embodiment forming an angle of forty-five degrees with the surfaces 11, 12, and the surface 15 forming an angle of thirty degrees with the surface 11 and an angle of sixty degrees with the surface 12.

The body 10 is apertured, as at 16, to form a projection 17 which forms an edge surface 18. The edge surface 18, in the embodiment disclosed, is parallel to the surface 12 and accordingly is at right angles to the surface 11.

A scale 19 is carried by the body 10 in position parallel to the surface 11 and accordingly at right angles to the surfaces 12 and 18. A predetermined marking on the scale 19 is aligned with the surface 18 and in the disclosed embodiment the projection terminates in a point 20 to facilitate alignment of the scale with the surface 18. In the present case the surface 18 is aligned with the zero mark on the scale and scale markings extend progressively from either side of the zero markmg.

In use, and assuming the surface 11 is against the straight edge 13, a reference line 21 may be drawn by a pencil guided either by the surface 12 or the surface 18, or by a small surface 22 formed on the body.

' Lines parallel to the reference line 21 may then be quickly and accurately drawn on either side of the reference line through use of the invention. In Figure 1, the instrument is positioned for the purpose of drawing a line to the right of and parallel to the reference line 21 a distance of two and one-half inches and the instrument has been moved to the right, along the straight edge, until the left-hand two and one-half scale marking is aligned with the reference line. The draftsman may then draw a line along the surface 18.

If an equidistant line is to be drawn to the left of and parallel to the reference line 21, the instrument is moved to the left, along the straight edge 13, until the right-hand two and one-half scale marking is aligned with the reference line. The draftsman may then draw a line along the surface 18.

Horizontal lines may be drawn with equal facility and for such purpose it is merely required to position the surface 12 against the straight edge 13 and proceed as before outlined. Angular lines may also be drawn parallel to a given reference line by positioning angular surfaces, such as the surfaces 14, 15, against the straight edge and proceeding as before.

It will therefore be appreciated that lines on opposite sides of a reference line may be accurately and speedily drawn without stepping oft the proper distances by use of a divider, or by actually measuring and loeating such distances by pencil mark, as was required before. By positioning either one of the angular surfaces 14, 15 against the straight edge, accurately spaced cross-hatch lines may be readily drawn. Other uses, too numerous to mention, may be made of my improved drafting instrument.

As shown in Figures 1 through 4, the scale 19 is removably carried by the body 10 so that a scale bearing any desired measurement markings may be assembled with the body. In the disclosed embodiment, the scale 19 has four beveled surfaces, thus providing four different scale measurements on each beveled surface, such as full scale, half scale, quarter scale and eighth scale. Commercially available scales may be used in connection with my invention, and as best seen in Figures 2 and 3, the four beveled scale provides two generally V-shaped longitudinally extending portions 23 and 24.

Referring particularly to Figure 4, the aperture 16 provides facing recesses 25, each defined by a generally V-shaped projection 26 (see also Figures 2 and 3) extending toward but spaced from a generally V-shaped groove 27. A spring clip 23 is provided for each recess 25, each clip having a generally V-shaped portion 29 fitting about the projection 26, and a generally V-shaped portion 30 fitting within the groove 27, each clip fitting with spring action to resiliently maintain it in position.

Each clip has a Hat body portion 31 against which one beveled surface of the scale 19 may bear, spaced parts of one longitudinal edge of the scale fitting within the grooves formed by the portions 29. Each clip also has a finger 32 against which another beveled surface of the scale may bear, the fingers being disposed at an angle to similarly position the scale so as to make its scale 3 markings easy to read with reference to the edge surface 18.

Each finger 32 has a foot 233 resiliently bearing against spaced parts of the adjoining longitudinally extending edge of the scale 1% to rcsilicnt.y hold the scale in position, each foot terminating in a rolled edge 34 which is snapped over the adjacent edge.

The construction shown in Figures 1 through 4 is readily adapted for right or left-handed draftsrnen, and such interchangeability is clearly shown in Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 illustrates the assembly for use by right-handed draftsmen and Figure 3 shows the body 10 in the same position but the scale and clips assembled from the right side of the body so as to adapt the instrument for left-handed draftsmen. It will also be appreciated that any one of the beveled surfaces of the scale 19 may be positioned in operating relationship with the edge suriace 18 since the scale may be easily removed from the clips 23 and turned and reassembled to desired position. Further, it will be understood that the scale need not be of the four beveled type as herein disclosed.

The embodiment of the invention disclosed in Figures 5 and 6 comprises a body Mia having right angle surfaces Zia and 12a, and portion 17:: providing surface 18a. in this embodiment, the aperture 16:: provides a surface 40 which is inclined with respect to the plane of the body and which merges with spaced inclined slots 41. Gpposite ends of a fiat scale 42 are slidably received within the slots 4%, and the scale is thus positioned in inclined manner with respect to the body a, the surface providing a suitable backing for the scale.

in the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8 the body 105 is shown as rectangular in form, and preferably square as illustrated, thus providing right angle Surfaces 11b and 12b and surface 18b. The aperture 16b in the body 10/) provides a surface 45 which extends just short of the edge 1% to edge 18b and which is inclined With respect to the plane of the body 1017. The marginal surface of the aperture 16b provides spaced-apart grooves 46 which are directed toward the inclined surface 45 and which receive spaced parts of the thin edge of a four beveled scale 47. A beveled surface of the scale 47 lies along the inclined surface 4? so that its opposed beveled surface is substantially flush with the upper surface of the body itib. A binding screw 48 is threaded into the body ldli and clamps the scale in operative position.

in the embodiment. disclosed in Figures 9 and 10, the body the is generally L-shaped and provides squared surfaces 11c and 120 and surface 380. The body Me is provided with a dovetail groove 49, preferably in its under surface, and a scale 59 of complementary crosssectional shape is slidably received within the groove 49. The body like is of suitable transparent material so that the scale markings are readily visible from the upper surface of the body.

In view of the foregoing it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that I have accomplished at least the principal object of my invention and it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments herein described may be variously changed and modified, vithout departing from the spirit of the invention, and that the invention is capable of uses and has advantages not herein specifically described, hence it will be appreciated that the herein disclosed embodiments are illustrative only, and that my invention is not limited thereto.

1 claim:

l. A drafting instrument comprising, a relatively flat body having an edge surface and also having recesses in spaced-apart relation, each recess comprising a generally V-shaped projection extending toward a spaced generally V-shap'ed groove, a scale, and a spring clip engageable in each of said recesses, having a generally V-shaped part Lil fitting about said V-shaped projection and another generally ti-shaped end fitting within said V-shaped groove, and said spring clips having means for releasably engaging said scale.

2. A drafting instrument comprising, a relatively flat body having an snrrace and also having recesses in spaced-apart relation, each recess comprising a generally -/-shaped projection extending toward a spaced generally f-shaped groove, a scale having longitudinal edge portions, and a spring clip engageable in each of said recesses, having first generally J-shaped part fitting about said V- shaped jection and a second generally V-shaped part fitting within said V-shaped groove, a part of one longitudinal edge of said scale fitting within the V-shaped gr ove provided by said first part of each clip, and each having a resilient finger extending from said second part and adapted to cooperate therewith to form a groove for receiving a part of the other longitudinal edge of said scale.

3. A drafting instrument for use with a straight edge, comprising thin fiat body in plan defined in part by two r ctilinear marginal edges disposed at right angles to each other, either edge being engageable with and slidable along said straight edge, and said body, having a third rectilinear edge parallel to one of said marginal edges and at right angles to the other of said marginal edges, recess means formed in said body adjacent to said other of said marginal edges, and elongated scale means seated within said recess means for removable connection with said body whereby any of a number of scales of similar size but of varying scale proportions may be connec ed to said body, any one of said scale means having a zero point intermediate its length and scale markings progressively extending from both sides of said zero marking, and said recess means being defined by marginal surfaces which abut a selected scale means and provide for positionment of said scale means with its zero point in alignment with said third rectilinear edge.

4. A drafting instrument for use with a straight edge, comprising a thin fiat body in plan defined in part by two rectilinear marginal edges disposed at right angles to each other, either edge being cngagcable with and slidable along said straight edge, said body having a third rectilinear edge parallel to one of said marginal edges and at right angles to the other of said marginal edges, recess means formed in said body adjacent to said other of said marginal edges, elongated scale means, and means rcmovably connecting said scale means with said body comprising spring clip means fitting in said recess means and having resilient latching engagement with said scale means. whereby any one of a number of scales of similar size but of varying scale proportions may be connected to said body, and one of said scale means havin a zero point intermediate its length and scale markings progressively extending from both sides of said zero point, said recess means being located relative to said body whereby at least a portion of a selected scale means when connected to said body is in abutting relation with at least a portion said recess means to position said scale means with its zero point in alignment with said third rectilinear edge.

iitcferences Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,057,852 Kohler Apr. l, 1913 l,l0l,i l9 Classon June 23, l9l4 l,253,399 Lewis Jan. 15, 1918 2,479,093 liailes Aug. l6, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS 31,878 Germany June 9, 1885 57,312 France Mar. 22, 1913 604,84 Great Britain Aug. 13, 1948 

